The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 211

however, observe that, while in its entirety it deals with the blessing 11nd curse, yet the first three verses deal with them as resting on the people, the remaining verses regard th<:m ns pronounced b.11 the pC'ople. The theme indicated by the latter half is tr<:ated on nt eh. XXYii. W'e therefore confine our remarks to the former section of these words. They present to us the dread alternative which is before every man, as our theme for consi<lcration. Lest any should seek to blunt tho eilge of our words by saying, "VI' e don't like the word' curse;' it belongs to an older dispensation," we would obserYe at the outset that the same alternative is presented to us, though it may be in other words, by the Lord Jesus Christ, in John iii. 18-21. We do not sny that there is no difference in meaning beyond the varied phraseology, but simply point out just now, that, under Christ, as under Moses, there is set forth the sho.rp contrast, in one case of blessing and curse, in the other case of acceptance and condem- nation. One or other of these belongs to every man. Here is a mighty theme, in which the preacher has "by manifestation of the truth to commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God." I. MAK HAS A MORAL NATURE. The denial of this by some, and the baseness of the lives of others, no more interfere with the general truth of this, than cases which are nlmormal in the physical world do with well-ascertained truth in the physical depart- ments. Man has a crvv•lli.,,,m, a power of discerning moral distinctions. If he fails to give proof of that, he is a perishing man. JI. THE POSSESSION OF A MORAL NATURE INDICATES THE EXISTENCE OF MORAL LAW, This is, in fact, the objectivity which is before the moral sense, and perceived by it. III. TrrE EXISTEKCE OF A LAw IMPLIES THAT OF A LAWGIVER; the existence of a moral law, that of a moral Lawgiver, who is himself the Lord of right, the God, "with whom is our account." The moral sense of man postulates this; the all but universal con,iction of mankind affirms it; the sense of sin is its constant demonstration. The experience of men like Enoch, who in the olden time "walked with God," is proof that at any rate some human spirits Jean on the Eternal One, as really a_s the body depends OD air and food. IV. THE MORAL LAWGIVER REVEALS HIHSELF. Not only do previously mentioned facts show that he is, but we know also what he is. 'l.'he Law given by Moses, and the proclamation of Jeho,ah's Name to him, disclose the greatness of the Divine being; the fuller word of prophet and psalmist likewise. '!'he Incarnate Son revealed him. The Holy Ghost unveils him to the watchful eye and yearning heart. " The Lord your God." V. THE GREAT LAWGIVER HAS GIVEN DEFINITE COMMANDS. Chiefly,·as Lawgiver, in the Law. Chiefly, as also a great Benefactor, in the gospel. In the one aspect his Law is "do;" in the other his Law is "receive." In the former a course of life is marked out in detail; in the latter, a redemption by infinite grace is made known for "the obedience of faith." So that, as it speaks to us, Law says (for we are under Law to Christ), "Receive in loving faith the redemption, even the forgiveness of sins, and then, by the renewed energies of a God-inspired life, walk not after the flesh but after the spirit." VI. THE Drvn.""E LAWGIVER REGARDS MEN ACCORDING TO THEIR MEASURE OF LOYALTY To THE RIGHT .Al\"D THE TRUE, i.e. as far as they have the opportunity of knowing what is right and true; for some nations may even as yet not have any written law. In such case Peter's words apply (Acts x. 34, 35). We can suppose others who have the Law onlv. We have the revelation of God both in Law and in gospel; to us is the word of salrntion sent (cf. John vi. 29). According as we receive it or no, God approves or disapproves, accepts or disowns. Is it possible to suppose it otherwise? Can any one think that a holy Lawgiver should give forth a perfect Law, and then be unconcerned as to whether men obey it? Can it be imagined that he should send his only begotten Son into the world, and then leave it optional with men as to how they should treat him to whom is given all power in heaven and on earth? There is indeed (~ee Homily on eh. x. 17-:x:i 1) no respect of persons as to rank,-or caste, or colour, or clime. The wide world over, right and equity are the Diyine delight; but since right is right, and God is God, there must eternally remain the great gulf fixed between the loyalty of heart which he approves, and the disloyalty of soul which the Most High cannot but coDdemn. The throne of the Eternal is established in righteousness. VIl, THIS APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF GOD 18 THE BLEBBING OR OUBBE, (0(, PB, i. 6.) CR, XI, 1-32,] THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 203